Distribution device for a pneumatically operating agricultural distribution machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a distribution device (10) for a pneumatically operating agricultural distribution machine, comprising: a distribution chamber (12), which has an inlet (14) for distribution material (VG) flowing into the distribution chamber (12), and a plurality of outlets (16a-16t) for distribution material (VG) flowing out of the distribution chamber (12); and a sensor-based detection device (18) for determining the distribution (V, Vx, Vy, Vxy) of the distribution material (VG) in the distribution chamber (12) and / or the distribution, across the outlets (16a-16t), of the distribution material (VG) flowing into the distribution chamber (12) via the inlet (14).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Distribution device for a pneumatic agricultural distribution machine

[0003] The invention relates to a distribution device for a pneumatically operating agricultural distribution machine according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

[0004] The distribution system of agricultural distribution machines typically has an internal distribution chamber into which the material to be distributed can be introduced via an inlet. The material introduced into the distribution chamber is then discharged from the distribution chamber via several outlets.

[0005] From the document DE 44 34248 A1, for example, a pneumatic distribution machine is known which has a sensor for monitoring the material flow into the distribution chamber of the distribution device.

[0006] To ensure the intended distribution of the material to be spread across the agricultural land, the distribution of the material to the distribution chamber outlets must follow a specific distribution pattern. In some application scenarios, such as when spreading the material while traveling on a slope, the incline may result in an unintentional uneven distribution of the material to the distribution chamber outlets. In other situations, such as when the spreader is cornering, an uneven distribution of the material to the distribution chamber outlets may be intentional.

[0007] The solutions known in the state of the art are not yet suitable for the early and low-effort detection of the distribution of the material to be distributed to the outlets of the distribution chamber, so that the early initiation of measures for the precise correction of the material distribution is not yet easily possible.

[0008] The object underlying the invention is therefore to enable early and low-cost detection of the distribution of the material to be distributed to the outlets of the distribution chamber.

[0009] The object is achieved by a distribution device of the type mentioned above, wherein the sensor detection device of the distribution device according to the invention comprises one or more detection sensors arranged in or on the distribution chamber for detecting the distribution material in the distribution chamber. The detection sensors arranged in the distribution chamber allow the distribution of the distribution material to the outlets to be detected early and with little effort. Additional sensors beyond the distribution chamber are not absolutely necessary. However, corresponding additional sensors beyond the distribution chamber can be used in addition.

[0010] The detection device can also detect blockages in the distribution lines connected to the outlets. The invention takes advantage of the knowledge that the distribution of the material to be distributed in the distribution chamber and the distribution of the material to the outlets are directly related, so that the sensory detection device in or on the distribution chamber can determine the distribution to the outlets.

[0011] The distribution chamber may also have several inlets for the distribution material flowing into the distribution chamber.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the distribution device according to the invention, the sensory detection device comprises an electronic data processing device configured to determine, based on measurement signals from the one or more detection sensors, the distribution of the distribution material in the distribution chamber and / or the distribution of the distribution material flowing into the distribution chamber via the inlet to the outlets. The electronic data processing device can be configured to determine, based on the measurement signals, the volume distribution and / or the mass distribution of the distribution material in the distribution chamber and / or the volume distribution and / or the mass distribution of the distribution material flowing into the distribution chamber via the inlet to the outlets.Preferably, the electronic data processing device is configured to determine, on the basis of the measurement signals of the one or more detection sensors, a current volume flow value and / or mass flow value relating to the distribution material flow for one, several or each outlet of the distribution chamber.

[0013] Furthermore, a distribution device according to the invention is preferred in which the electronic data processing device is configured to calculate a distribution center of the distribution material when determining the distribution of the distribution material in the distribution chamber. If the distribution material is evenly distributed among the outlets, the distribution center of the distribution material is preferably located in the center of the distribution chamber. When traveling on a slope, the distribution center of gravity can shift in a downhill direction due to the inclination of the distribution machine or the inclination of the distribution chamber, so that the outlets arranged downhill are favored in the distribution of the distribution material. A partial or complete blockage in a distribution line connected to an outlet can also lead to an off-center shift of the distribution center of gravity.In this case, a distribution correction would be necessary and / or a notification to the machine operator regarding a blocked distribution line would be advantageous.

[0014] Furthermore, a distribution device according to the invention is preferred in which the sensory detection device is configured to determine the distribution of the distribution material in the distribution chamber at specific points and / or in relation to an area and / or spatially and / or temporally. With a specific determination of the distribution of the distribution material in the distribution chamber, the presence and / or quantity of the distribution material can be determined at one or more points in the distribution chamber. Area sensors, such as sensor foils, can be used to determine the area-related distribution of the distribution material. With a spatial determination of the distribution of the distribution material in the distribution chamber, detection sensors with different orientations, in particular pointing in different spatial directions, can be used, for example.When determining the distribution of the goods over time, only short-term or temporary changes in distribution can be recorded, which do not necessarily require a correction of the distribution of the goods.

[0015] In a further development of the distribution device according to the invention, one or more detection sensors are designed as impact sensors and are configured to detect an impact of the material being distributed against a detection surface. The one or more impact sensors can be piezo sensors, for example. The one or more impact sensors can be configured to detect the impact intensity and / or the impact frequency of the material being distributed against the detection surface.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment of the distribution device according to the invention, one or more detection sensors are designed as optical sensors and configured to optically detect the material to be distributed in the distribution chamber. By means of the one or more detection sensors designed as optical sensors, the distribution of the material to be distributed can be detected in one or more detection planes. The one or more sensors can be configured to detect a light beam reflected by the material to be distributed. In this case, the change in the amount of light is detected. Alternatively, the one or more sensors can be configured to detect an interruption of the light axis between the structurally separate transmitter and receiver.

[0017] Furthermore, a distribution device according to the invention is preferred in which one or more detection sensors are designed as acoustic sensors and are configured to acoustically detect the material being distributed in the distribution chamber. The one or more detection sensors can be designed as a microphone or comprise a microphone. The acoustic sensors can be configured to detect the acoustics within the distribution chamber in multiple detection areas and / or detection directions.

[0018] In a further development of the distribution device according to the invention, one or more detection sensors are designed as vibration sensors and are configured to detect the vibrations and / or tremors caused by the material being distributed in the distribution chamber. The material being distributed causes vibrations and tremors when it impacts the walls of the distribution chamber. The distribution of the material being distributed in the distribution chamber can be determined by detecting the intensity distribution of the vibrations and / or tremors.

[0019] Furthermore, a distribution device according to the invention is advantageous in which one or more detection sensors are designed as acceleration sensors and are configured to detect the accelerations of impact bodies in the distribution chamber caused by the material to be distributed. The impact bodies are preferably arranged such that they are set in motion as the material to be distributed flows through the distribution chamber. The impact bodies are preferably arranged in the flow path of the material to be distributed such that the material to be distributed impacts the impact bodies, and the impact of the material to be distributed leads to a movement of the impact bodies. The distribution of the material to be distributed in the distribution chamber can be determined based on the impact body accelerations.

[0020] In another preferred embodiment of the distribution device according to the invention, one or more detection sensors are designed as force transducers and are configured to detect the force exerted by the material being distributed in the distribution chamber on the detection surface in the distribution chamber. The force exerted by the material being distributed on the detection surface can be an impact force caused by the impact of the material being distributed on the detection surface. The one or more force transducers can be, for example, piezo force transducers, force transducers with oscillating elements, electrodynamic force transducers, and / or resistive force transducers.

[0021] Furthermore, a distribution device according to the invention is preferred in which one or more detection sensors are designed as deformation sensors and are configured to detect the deformations caused by the material to be distributed in the distribution chamber on the chamber wall of the distribution chamber. The deformation sensors can comprise strain gauges. The chamber wall can have a reduced wall thickness in the region of the deformation sensors, thus simplifying deformation detection. The distribution of the material to be distributed in the distribution chamber can be determined based on the deformation caused by the material to be distributed on the chamber wall.

[0022] Furthermore, a distribution device according to the invention is preferred in which one or more detection sensors are arranged on the side of the distribution chamber opposite the inlet. The detection sensors arranged on the side of the distribution chamber opposite the inlet are preferably arranged in an inflow region, which is subject to the flow of the distribution material introduced via an inlet. The detection sensors arranged on the side of the distribution chamber opposite the inlet can be arranged on or in a cover of a chamber housing in which the distribution chamber is located. The detection sensors arranged on the side of the distribution chamber opposite the inlet can be integrated into fastening elements, such as screws.

[0023] In a further preferred embodiment of the distribution device according to the invention, one or more detection sensors are arranged in an edge region of the distribution chamber and / or around the distribution chamber, wherein the one or more detection sensors are preferably arranged between adjacent outlets and / or oriented radially inward. The detection sensors can be distributed evenly or unevenly around the circumference of the distribution chamber. The detection sensors arranged in the edge region of the distribution chamber can be integrated into fastening elements, such as screws.

[0024] The distribution device according to the invention is further advantageously further developed in that a plurality of detection sensors are arranged uniformly around an axis, in particular a central axis, of the distribution chamber. The plurality of detection sensors are located, for example, on a common circular path.

[0025] The distribution device can also comprise several groups of detection sensors, wherein, for example, detection sensors of a first group are arranged on the side of the distribution chamber opposite the inlet, and detection sensors of the second group are arranged in an edge region of the distribution chamber and / or around the distribution chamber. In another preferred embodiment, the distribution device according to the invention has one or more additional sensors designed to detect and / or quantify the flow of the distribution material in one or more distribution lines connected to the outlets. The distribution lines connected to the outlets can be designed, for example, as hoses.For example, the qualitative distribution of the material to be distributed among the outlets can be recorded using one or more detection sensors located in or on the distribution chamber, and quantification can then be performed using one or more additional sensors. The quantitative evaluation of an additional sensor can be extrapolated to the other outlets in conjunction with the signals from the detection sensors, allowing the material flow to be quantified in several or all distribution lines connected to the outlets.

[0026] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the distribution device according to the invention, at least one additional sensor is designed as a grain counter. In particular, the additional sensor designed as a grain counter is configured to quantify the distribution of the material being distributed. Preferably, one or more additional sensors are designed as pulse generators. In particular, the additional sensors designed as pulse generators are configured to qualify the distribution of the material being distributed. Particularly preferably, both an additional sensor designed as a grain counter and an additional sensor designed as a pulse generator are arranged, in particular in series, in at least one distribution line, so that the qualitative signal of the grain counter, in conjunction with the quantitative signal of this pulse generator, can be transferred to further signals from other pulse generators.Thus, the flow of distribution material in several or all distribution lines connected to the outlets can be quantified particularly cost-effectively. In a further preferred embodiment, the distribution device according to the invention has a distribution manipulator for adjusting the distribution of the distribution material flowing into the distribution chamber via the inlet to the outlets. The distribution manipulator can be used to set an intended distribution of the distribution material. The distribution manipulator is preferably controlled based on the distribution of the distribution material in the distribution chamber determined by the electronic data processing device and / or the distribution of the distribution material flowing into the distribution chamber via the inlet to the outlets. Thus, an intended distribution of the distribution material can be ensured by controlling the distribution manipulator.

[0027] Furthermore, a distribution device according to the invention is advantageous in which the distribution manipulator has a baffle surface carried by a movable baffle surface carrier, which is arranged opposite the inlet, so that

[0028] Distribution material flowing into the distribution chamber strikes the impact surface and bounces off the impact surface. The distribution manipulator preferably comprises an adjustment device for changing the position and / or state of the impact surface. Changing the position and / or state of the impact surface influences the distribution of the distribution material to the outlets. A parallel adjustment of the impact plate can also improve the distribution. Alternatively or in addition to changing the position and / or state of the impact plate, the entire distribution chamber can also be movable, in particular pivotable, to change the distribution of the distribution material to the outlets.

[0029] In another preferred embodiment of the distribution device according to the invention, one or more detection sensors are arranged in or on the distribution manipulator, in particular on or in the impact surface support and / or on or in the impact surface. The one or more detection sensors in or on the distribution manipulator can be combined with one or more detection sensors on the side of the distribution chamber opposite the inlet and / or one or more detection sensors in an edge region of the distribution chamber and / or one or more detection sensors arranged around the distribution chamber.

[0030] Furthermore, a distribution device according to the invention is preferred in which the distribution manipulator has a control device configured to adjust, in particular, regulate, an intended uniform or uneven distribution of the distribution material flowing in via the inlet of the distribution chamber to the outlets. Adjusting an intended uniform distribution of the distribution material to the outlets is necessary, for example, when traveling uphill. Adjusting an intended uneven distribution of the distribution material to the outlets is necessary, for example, when traveling around curves.

[0031] In another preferred embodiment of the distribution device according to the invention, the control device is configured to consider the difference between measurement signals from multiple detection sensors as a controlled variable and / or an actual distribution center of gravity of the material to be distributed in the distribution chamber. If a uniform distribution of the material to be distributed is to be regulated, the control device can be configured to reduce the difference between measurement signals from multiple detection sensors by controlling the distribution manipulator and / or to shift the actual distribution center of gravity of the material to be distributed in the distribution chamber to the center of the distribution chamber by controlling the distribution manipulator.If an uneven distribution of the distribution material to the outlets is to be set, the control device is preferably designed to bring about a predetermined difference between measurement signals of several detection sensors by controlling the distribution manipulator and / or to shift the actual distribution center of gravity of the distribution material in the distribution chamber to an off-center area by controlling the distribution manipulator.

[0032] A distribution device according to the invention is also advantageous in which the control device is configured to regulate a target difference between the measurement signals of several detection sensors and / or a target distribution center of the material to be distributed in the distribution chamber. The target difference between the measurement signals of several detection sensors and / or the target distribution center of the material to be distributed in the distribution chamber can be calculated by the control device depending on the situation or can be specified by default values.

[0033] In a further development of the distribution device according to the invention, the control device is designed to take into account, when setting the intended distribution of the distribution material flowing into the distribution chamber via the inlet to the outlets, the opening states of the outlets, which can each be brought into an open and closed state, and / or the opening states of return lines, which can each be brought into an open and closed state, via which the distribution material discharged from the distribution chamber via the outlets can be introduced back into the distribution chamber.Alternatively or additionally, the control device is configured to take into account the conveying capacity and / or speed of a pneumatic conveying device for the distribution material and / or an intended and / or set and / or currently existing discharge quantity of the distribution material and / or the variety and / or type of the distribution material when setting the intended distribution of the distribution material flowing into the distribution chamber via the inlet to the outlets. Alternatively or additionally, the control device is configured to take into account target positions for the distribution material output from the discharge elements and / or at least a conveying time of the distribution material from the distribution chamber to the discharge elements when setting the intended distribution of the distribution material flowing into the distribution chamber via the inlet to the outlets.A pressure increase detected by impact sensors in the distribution chamber can then be evaluated by the control system, for example, taking into account the opening status of the outlets and the fan speed. The distribution device can be designed as a return distribution head. By evaluating the sensor signals, the circulating volume of distribution material can also be determined when the return lines are open.

[0034] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained and described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] Fig. 1 shows a distribution device according to the invention in a schematic plan view;

[0036] Fig. 2 shows the distribution device shown in Fig. 1 in a side sectional view;

[0037] Fig. 3 shows a distribution of the material to be distributed in the distribution chamber of the distribution device shown in Fig. 1;

[0038] Fig. 4 shows a further distribution device according to the invention in a schematic plan view;

[0039] Fig. 5 shows the arrangement of the detection sensors of the detection device of the distribution device shown in Fig. 4;

[0040] Fig. 6 shows the distribution of the material to be distributed in the distribution chamber of the distribution device shown in Fig. 4; Fig. 7 shows a further distribution device according to the invention in a schematic plan view;

[0041] Fig. 8 shows a further distribution device according to the invention in a schematic plan view;

[0042] Fig. 9 shows the distribution device shown in Fig. 8 in a lateral sectional view;

[0043] Fig. 10 shows a further distribution device according to the invention in a schematic plan view;

[0044] Fig. 11 Distribution of the material to be distributed in the distribution chamber of the distribution device shown in Fig. 10;

[0045] Fig. 12 shows a further distribution device according to the invention in a schematic plan view;

[0046] Fig. 13 shows a distribution of the material to be distributed in the distribution chamber of the distribution device shown in Fig. 12;

[0047] Fig. 14 shows the distribution of the material to be distributed in the distribution chamber of the distribution device shown in Fig. 12; and

[0048] Fig. 15 shows a further distribution device according to the invention in a lateral sectional view.

[0049] Figures 1 and 2 show a distribution device 10 designed as a distribution head for a pneumatically operating agricultural distribution machine.

[0050] The distribution device 10 has a distribution chamber 12, wherein the distribution chamber 12 comprises an inlet 14 for distribution material VG flowing into the distribution chamber 12 and a plurality of outlets 16a-16t for distribution material VG flowing out of the distribution chamber 12. The inlet 14 is connected to a supply line 24 designed as a riser pipe. The distribution material VG is supplied to the distribution chamber 12 via the supply line 24. The outlets 16a-16t are arranged around a central axis A of the distribution chamber 12.

[0051] The distribution device 10 comprises a chamber housing 32, wherein the distribution chamber 12 is arranged within the chamber housing 32. The chamber housing 32 has a removable housing cover 34. The distribution chamber 12 can be made accessible for maintenance and / or cleaning purposes via the removable housing cover 34.

[0052] The distribution device 10 further comprises a sensory detection device 18 for determining the distribution V of the distribution material VG in the distribution chamber 12. The sensory detection device 18 comprises two detection sensors 20a, 20b arranged in the distribution chamber 12 and an electronic data processing device 22. The detection sensors 20a, 20b serve to detect the distribution material VG in the distribution chamber 12. The electronic data processing device 22 is connected in a signal-conducting manner to the detection sensors 20a, 20b and is configured to determine the distribution V of the distribution material VG in the distribution chamber 12 on the basis of measurement signals M1, M2 of the detection sensors 20a, 20b.

[0053] Fig. 3 shows the measurement signals M1, M2 of the detection sensors 20a, 20b of the detection device 18. From the measurement signals M1, M2, the electronic data processing device 22 determines the distribution of the distribution material VG in the distribution chamber 12.

[0054] Fig. 4 shows a distribution device 10 in which the detection device 18 has a total of four detection sensors 20, 20a-20c. As in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, the detection sensors 20, 20a-20c are located on the housing cover 34 of the chamber housing 32 of the distribution device 10. The detection sensors 20, 20a-20c are arranged on the side of the distribution chamber 12 opposite the inlet 14. The detection sensors 20, 20a-20c arranged on the side of the distribution chamber 12 opposite the inlet 14 are arranged in an inflow region, which is subjected to the flow of the distribution material VG introduced via the inlet 14.

[0055] The detection sensor 20 is located in the center of the distribution chamber 12. The detection sensors 20a-20c are arranged off-center and form an isosceles triangle.

[0056] Fig. 5 shows the arrangement of the detection sensors 20, 20a-20c with respect to the spatial axes x and y.

[0057] Fig. 6 shows the measuring signals M1-M4 of the detection sensors 20, 20a-20c, from which the electronic data processing device 22 determines the distribution V of the distribution material VG in the distribution chamber 12.

[0058] The sensory detection device 18 is configured to determine the distribution V of the material to be distributed G in the distribution chamber 12 at specific points, namely across four measuring points. The detection sensors 20, 20a-20c can, for example, be impact sensors designed to detect an impact of the material to be distributed VG against a detection surface. Alternatively, the detection sensors 20, 20a-20c can also be optical sensors designed to optically detect the material to be distributed VG in the distribution chamber 12.

[0059] Fig. 7 shows a distribution device 10 in which the detection device comprises a central detection sensor 20 and a total of twelve detection sensors 28a-28l arranged off-center and on a common circular path. The central detection sensor 20 can be, for example, an impact sensor, an optical sensor, an acoustic sensor, or a vibration sensor. The detection sensors 28a-28l are designed as acceleration sensors and are configured to detect the accelerations of impact bodies 26a-26l in the distribution chamber 12 caused by the material VG being distributed. The impact bodies 26a-26l can be movably mounted impact plates.

[0060] Figs. 8 and 9 show a distribution device 10 in which the detection device 18 has a total of twenty detection sensors 30a-30t. The detection sensors 30a-30t are arranged in an edge region of the distribution chamber 12 around the distribution chamber 12, wherein the detection sensors 30a-30t are arranged between adjacent outlets 16a-16t and are oriented radially inward. The detection sensors 30a-30t arranged in the edge region of the distribution chamber 12 can be integrated into fastening elements, such as screws, and are arranged around a central axis A of the distribution chamber 12.

[0061] Fig. 10 shows a distribution device 10 in which the detection device 18 has five detection sensors 20, 20a-20d.

[0062] The detection sensors 20, 20a-20d can, for example, be designed as force transducers and be configured to detect the force exerted by the distribution material VG in the distribution chamber 12 on a detection surface in the distribution chamber 12.

[0063] Fig. 11 shows distributions V determined by an electronic data processing device 22 of a detection device 18. The data processing device 22 can, for example, also be configured to determine the distribution Vy of the material VG to be distributed along a y-axis and / or to determine the distribution Vx of the material VG to be distributed along an x-axis based on the measurement signals from detection sensors. Alternatively or additionally, the electronic data processing device 22 can be configured to determine the distribution Vxy of the material VG to be distributed in the distribution chamber 12 based on the area.

[0064] Fig. 12 shows a further embodiment of a distribution device 10, in which the detection device 18 has a central detection sensor 20 and twelve further detection sensors 20a-20l arranged around the central detection sensor 20. The detection sensors 20a-20l lie on a common circular path and are distributed equidistantly along the circular path.

[0065] Figures 13 and 14 show spatial distributions V of the material VG to be distributed, which were determined by an electronic data processing device 22. Figure 13 shows the distribution V in a three-dimensional image. Figure 14 shows a spatial distribution V of the material VG to be distributed in a two-dimensional image.

[0066] Fig. 15 shows a distribution device 10 with a distribution manipulator 36. The distribution manipulator 36 serves to adjust the distribution V of the distribution material flowing into the distribution chamber 12 via the inlet 14

[0067] VG onto the outlets 16a-16t. The distribution manipulator 36 comprises a baffle 40 supported by a movable baffle support 38. The baffle 40 is arranged opposite the inlet 14, so that distribution material VG flowing into the distribution chamber 12 strikes the baffle 40 and bounces off the baffle 40.

[0068] The distribution manipulator 36 further comprises an adjustment device 42 for changing the position and / or state of the impact surface 40. By changing the position and / or state of the impact surface 40, the distribution V of the distribution material VG to the outlets 16a-16t is influenced. The adjustment device 42 comprises a plurality of contact elements 44a-44c, which can be moved toward the impact surface support 38 and away from the impact surface support 38 via adjustment actuators 46a-46c. By moving one or more contact elements 44a-44c by means of one or more adjustment actuators 46a-46c, the angle of incidence of the impact surface 40 carried by the impact surface support 38 can be adjusted, whereby the distribution of the distribution material VG to the outlets 16a-16t can be adjusted.The impact surface carrier 38 is connected to a contact securing element 48 designed as a spring, which pulls the impact surface carrier 38 in the direction of the contact members 44a-44c and ensures that the contact members 44a-44c are in contact with the impact surface carrier 38.

[0069] The detection sensors 20, 20a-20l, 28a-28l, 30a-30t of the

[0070] Detection device 18 can be arranged in or on the distribution manipulator 36 or beyond the distribution manipulator 36.

[0071] The distribution manipulator 36 further comprises a control device 50 which is designed to adjust, in particular to regulate, an intended uniform or uneven distribution of the distribution material VG flowing into the distribution chamber 12 via the inlet 14 to the outlets 16a-16t. For this purpose, the control device 50 can use the difference between measurement signals from several detection sensors as

[0072] Controlled variable and / or an actual distribution center of the distribution material VG in the distribution chamber 12. The control device 50 can be configured to regulate the target difference between measurement signals from several detection sensors and / or a target distribution center of the distribution material VG in the distribution chamber 12. Reference numerals

[0073] 10 Distribution device

[0074] 12 Distribution chamber

[0075] 14 Entrance

[0076] 16a-16t outlets

[0077] 18 Recording device

[0078] 20, 20a-20l detection sensors

[0079] 22 Data processing facility

[0080] 24 supply line

[0081] 26a-26l impact body

[0082] 28a-28l detection sensors

[0083] 30a-30t detection sensors

[0084] 32 chamber housing

[0085] 34 Housing cover

[0086] 36 Distribution Manipulator

[0087] 38 impact surface supports

[0088] 40 impact surface

[0089] 42 Adjustment device

[0090] 44a-44c contact elements

[0091] 46a-46c Adjustable actuators

[0092] 48 Contact securing element

[0093] 50 Control device

[0094] A axis

[0095] V, Vx, Vy, Vxy distributions

[0096] VG distribution goods

[0097] M1-M4 measurement signals

Claims

Claims 1. Distribution device (10) for a pneumatically operated agricultural distribution machine, with a distribution chamber (12) which has an inlet (14) for distribution material (VG) flowing into the distribution chamber (12) and a plurality of outlets (16a-16t) for distribution material (VG) flowing out of the distribution chamber (12), and a sensory detection device (18) for determining the distribution (V, Vx, Vy, Vxy) of the distribution material (VG) in the distribution chamber (12) and / or the distribution of the distribution material (VG) flowing into the distribution chamber (12) via the inlet (14) to the outlets (16a-16t); characterized in that the sensory detection device (18) comprises one or more detection sensors (20, 20a-20l, 28a-28l, 30a-30t) arranged in or on the distribution chamber (12) for detecting distribution material (VG) in the distribution chamber (12).

2. Distribution device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensory detection device (18) comprises an electronic data processing device (22) which is set up to determine the distribution (V, Vx, Vy, Vxy) of the distribution material (VG) in the distribution chamber (12) and / or the distribution of the distribution material (VG) flowing into the distribution chamber (12) via the inlet (14) to the outlets (16a-16t) on the basis of measurement signals from the one or more detection sensors (20, 20a-20l, 28a-28l, 30a-30t).

3. Distribution device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the electronic data processing device (22) is designed to calculate a distribution center of gravity of the distribution material (VG) when determining the distribution (V, Vx, Vy, Vxy) of the distribution material (VG) in the distribution chamber (12).

4. Distribution device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensory detection device (18) is designed to determine the distribution (V, Vx, Vy, Vxy) of the distribution material (VG) in the distribution chamber (12) in a point-by-point and / or area-related and / or spatial and / or temporal manner.

5. Distribution device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more detection sensors (20, 20a-20l, 28a-28l, 30a-30t) are designed as impact sensors and are configured to detect an impact of the material to be distributed (VG) on a detection surface.

6. Distribution device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more detection sensors (20, 20a-20l, 28a-28l, 30a-30t) are designed as optical sensors and are configured to optically detect the material to be distributed (VG) in the distribution chamber (12).

7. Distribution device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more detection sensors (20, 20a-20l, 28a-28l, 30a-30t) are designed as acoustic sensors and are configured to acoustically detect the material to be distributed (VG) in the distribution chamber (12).

8. Distribution device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more detection sensors (20, 20a-20l, 28a-28l, 30a-30t) are designed as shock sensors and are configured to detect the shocks and / or vibrations caused by the material to be distributed (VG) in the distribution chamber (12).

9. Distribution device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more detection sensors (20, 20a-20l, 28a-28l, 30a-30t) are designed as acceleration sensors and are configured to detect the accelerations of impact bodies (26a-26l) in the distribution chamber (12) caused by the material to be distributed (VG) in the distribution chamber (12).

10. Distribution device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more detection sensors (20, 20a-20l, 28a-28l, 30a-30t) are designed as force transducers and are configured to detect the force exerted by the material to be distributed (VG) in the distribution chamber (12) on a detection surface in the distribution chamber (12).

11. Distribution device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more detection sensors (20, 20a-20l, 28a-28l, 30a-30t) are designed as deformation sensors and are configured to detect the deformations caused by the distribution material (VG) in the distribution chamber (12) on a chamber wall of the distribution chamber (12).

12. Distribution device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more detection sensors (20, 20a-20l, 28a-28l) are arranged on the side of the distribution chamber (12) opposite the inlet (14).

13. Distribution device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more detection sensors (30a-30t) are arranged in an edge region of the distribution chamber (12) and / or around the distribution chamber (12), wherein the one or more detection sensors (20, 20a-20l, 28a-28l, 30a-30t) are preferably arranged between adjacent outlets (16a-16t) and / or are oriented inwards in the radial direction.

14. Distribution device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of detection sensors (20, 20a-20I, 28a-28I, 30a-30t) are arranged uniformly or non-uniformly around an axis (A), in particular a central axis, of the distribution chamber (12).

15. Distribution device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by one or more additional sensors which are designed to determine and / or quantify the flow of distribution material in one or more distribution lines connected to the outlets (16a-16t).

16. Distribution device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a distribution manipulator (36) for adapting the distribution (V, Vx, Vy, Vxy) of the distribution material (VG) flowing into the distribution chamber (12) via the inlet (14) to the outlets (16a-16t).

17. Distribution device (10) according to claim 16, characterized in that the distribution manipulator (36) has a baffle surface (40) carried by a movable baffle surface carrier (38), which is arranged opposite the inlet (14) so that into the distribution chamber (12) inflowing distribution material (VG) hits the impact surface (40) and bounces off the impact surface (40), and comprises an adjusting device (42) for changing the position and / or state of the impact surface (40).

18. Distribution device (10) according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that one or more detection sensors (20, 20a-20l, 28a-28l, 30a-30t) are arranged in or on the distribution manipulator (36), in particular on or in the impact surface carrier (38) and / or on or in the impact surface (40).

19. Distribution device (10) according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the distribution manipulator (36) has a control device (50) which is designed to set, in particular to regulate, an intended uniform or uneven distribution (V, Vx, Vy, Vxy) of the distribution material (VG) flowing into the distribution chamber (12) via the inlet (14) to the outlets (16a-16t).

20. Distribution device (10) according to claim 19, characterized in that the control device (50) is designed to take into account the difference between measurement signals of several detection sensors (20, 20a-20l, 28a-28l, 30a-30t) as a controlled variable and / or an actual distribution center of gravity of the material to be distributed (VG) in the distribution chamber (12).

21. Distribution device (10) according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the control device (50) is designed to regulate a desired difference between measurement signals of a plurality of detection sensors (20, 20a-20l, 28a-28l, 30a-30t) and / or a desired distribution center of gravity of the material to be distributed (VG) in the distribution chamber (12).

22. Distribution device (10) according to one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that the control device (50) is designed to take into account one, several or all of the following parameters when setting the intended distribution (V, Vx, Vy, Vxy) of the distribution material (VG) flowing into the distribution chamber (12) via the inlet (14) to the outlets (16a-16t): the opening states of the outlets (16a-16t), each of which can be brought into an open and closed state; the opening states of return lines, each of which can be brought into an open and closed state, via which return lines the distribution material (VG) discharged from the distribution chamber (12) via the outlets (16a-16t) can be reintroduced into the distribution chamber (12); the conveying capacity and / or speed of a pneumatic conveying device for the distribution material; an intended and / or a set and / or a currently available application rate of the material to be distributed (VG);the sort and / or type of the distribution material (VG) target positions for the distribution material output from the dispensing elements at least one conveying time of the distribution material (VG) from the distribution chamber (12) to the dispensing elements;

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